Uganda: Helping Communities Fight COVID19
On 12 May 2020, communities in the informal settlements of Kinawataka and Kasokoso, and informal vendors at the Nakawa Market, in Kampala, received a donation of tarpaulins hand-washing stations and protection supplies, in support to the Government’s efforts to fight the coronavirus. The materials were provided through a partnership between Cities and Infrastructure for Growth (CIG), Cities Alliance, ACTogether, and the Platform for Vendors in Uganda (PLAVU).
Kinawataka and Kasokoso are the most densely populated areas in Kampala, while Nakawa is one of the capital’s largest markets, providing thousands of direct and indirect livelihood opportunities. The partners have been working with these communities as part of an ongoing safeguarding plan, within the implementation of the Kampala Jinja Expressway project (KJE).
The donation included 840 tarpaulins for the Nakawa vendors who, due to the COVID restrictions, are required to live in the market. “I am happy that market vendors, mostly women and the youth in Nakawa, will be sheltered from adverse weather during the lock-down, while they continue to serve the community”, said Helena McLeod, CIG Uganda Team Leader.
The washing stations and hygiene materials will benefit nearly 2,000 people in Kinawataka and Kasokoso. Two health centers in the settlements have also been provided with personal protection materials including masks, gloves, and sanitizers, while health teams engaged in community sensitization were also equipped with protective gear.
COVID pandemic is a threat to humanity, winning it is everybody’s responsibility
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Housing State Minister of Uganda
From left to right: Micheal Ayebazibwe and Eng. Kakaire Waiswa from ACTogether, Lilian Akot of CIG, Samuel Mabala of Cities Alliance, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, Housing State Minister, Burora Herbert, Nakawa Resident City Commissioner, and Mayor Eng. Ronald Balimwezo of Nakawa Municipality.
The materials were handed over to national and local authorities represented by Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of State for Housing and Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo, and Denis Omodi, Mayor and Town Clerk of the Nakawa Divison of Kampala, respectively.
The partners commended the efforts made by the Government of Uganda in responding to the crisis and ensured their commitment to continue supporting the most vulnerable communities during the crisis and the recovery phase after the pandemic.
“The emergency relief provided is a short-term intervention similar to a painkiller, the time is now for post-COVID planning to ensure resilient economic growth”, highlighted Samuel Mabala, Cities Alliance Country Manager in Uganda.
